He has since undergone more than 25 procedures in a bid to help open his throat back up.

Mum Naomi Thomson, 31, of North Shields said: “What this award means to me is that he is getting some recognition for what he has been through so young.”

Perhaps the most moving part of the ceremony came when a special mention was given for Stu Ridley.

The popular Northumberland rugby player was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour in February when he was given just six months to live. Sadly, aged just 25, Stu died in July.

But his story captured the hearts of the UK and helped raise thousands of pounds for charity.

Stu’s mum and dad, Melvin and Celia, attended the ceremony.

Melvin said: “Stu never complained and was always more concerned with how other people were feeling and wanted to raise awareness of how brain tumours were killers of young people.”

Mum Celia recalled Stu’s sense of humour and how he used to make her laugh, right up to when he passed away.

Mum Marina Dodgson was named Champion Fundraiser after she has helped raise an incredible £50,000 for the region’s sick and premature babies.

Marina, of Gosforth, started selling second hand baby clothes and toys five years ago.

Her first nearly new sale in aid of The Tiny Lives Trust was as a thank you to the doctors and nurses on the Special Care Baby Unit at the RVI for saving the life of her youngest son, Joseph, when he was born early in April 2010, after he suffered a haemorrhage in the womb.

Marina said: “I’m delighted to get this award and I would like to thank everybody who has supported the fund raising. It started out about my little boy and other people joined along the way.”

The Unsung Sporting Champion award went to Paul Matheson.

In March this year Paul became the first qualified Assistant FA Coach in the UK with no sight.

Paul has been a Newcastle United fan since the age of two and attended his first Magpie’s game at the age of five. He lost his sight as the result of optic nerve damage, caused by Glaucoma, and has been registered severely sight impaired for 10 years.

Champion Pensioner award prestented by Vikki Hawkins to winner Gillian Kerr and runners up June Roberts and Audrey Walker

Gillian Kerr, 79, of Whitley Bay won Chronicle Champion Pensioner Award as a helper for Age UK for 40 years.

Gillian said: “It’s the people who make it worthwhile.”

Her husband Ron added: “The is our Golden Wedding anniversary year and this is the perfect end to it.”

There was a joint winner in the Armed Forces Champion award which went to Gareth Golightly and his wife Denise.

Gareth’s career in the Royal Logistics Corp ended when he lost a leg in a car accident but he has since competed for the British Armed Forces Team at various events including the Invictus Games in front of Prince Harry.

He said: “I was very surprised at the award, especially the mention of Denise.

“We have three children under the age of five and she’s a massive support. I couldn’t do what I do without Denise.”